Monaco – Rennes Preview

Monaco have conceded a total of 8 goals in the last 3 Ligue1 rounds. That number should be extremely worrying for a team with title ambitions. The main problem seems to be central defender Carvalho who is 37 years old already and he should think about spending time with grandchildren instead of playing football. Defender Raggi is also getting slower by the day, but he is still quite offensive minded and never hesitates in going upfront and leaving open spaces (especially when he plays in the fullback position).

In Europa League they aren’t doing any better and barely took a point in the midweek game after equalizing in the final 10 minutes.

In comparison to the last Ligue1 game Monaco will welcome back fullback Coentrao and midfielders Toulalan and Moutinho.

RENNES

Rennes aren’t that comfortable when it comes to being favorites as we could see last week against Troyes (finished 1-1). Rennes prefer to create a defensive wall somewhere in own half and speculate on counters through to the speed of wingers Ntep and Zeffane. Actually creating down the flanks seems to be Rennes’ specialty as central midfielders are concentrated mostly on the defensive phase.

Reims scored in all games so far since the season started, even when key player Ntep was out injured, and that shouldn’t change against Monaco who have a mediocre defensive phase.

Rennes will have to do without midfielder Sylla and striker Sio. Although Sio is in the lone striker position he is not an important player for Rennes and can easily be substituted with Henrique who usually gets more involved in the game.

BETTING

This has all the ingredients to be an entertaining encounter and we can only thank bookies for the tasty price on goals. over 2.25 goals at 2.04

UPDATE: Monaco welcome back midfielder Lopes. Rennes will have to do without important defender Mexer and winger Zeffane.